Himachal Tourist Spots to Avoid This Monsoon: After spending the last six weeks traveling across Himachal during the 2025 monsoon, I’ve seen firsthand how brutal the rains can be.
From sipping chai with villagers to being stuck on the Kullu-Manali highway for 9 straight hours due to a landslide near Pandoh — I’ve lived it.
And I’ll be honest: this is not the best time to visit some of Himachal’s most popular tourist spots.
Many locals are temporarily leaving these areas. If you’re planning a trip in July-August, here are 5 Himachal Tourist Spots to Avoid This Monsoon and safer alternatives you’ll love instead.
Why Avoid These Himachal Tourist Spots This Monsoon?
This isn’t a generic “avoid monsoon” list. Here’s what makes this guide different:
- I visited these areas during the July rains
- Spoke to locals, drivers, hotel owners, and even BRO officials
- Cross-checked with real-time IMD and BRO reports
- Includes handpicked alternatives, not just warnings
- Google Map Link
Top 5 Himachal Tourist Spots to Avoid This Monsoon
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Manali (Mall Road & Solang Valley)
What’s Happening:
- Heavy landslides have blocked the Kullu-Manali highway multiple times
- Beas River is dangerously high during even moderate rain
- Solang Valley activities (paragliding, ATV rides) are being paused for safety
- Hotels are cheap right now, but that’s not always a good sign
“This year, guests check in, then leave within a day once they see what’s happening,” a hotel owner near Mall Road told me.
Where to Go Instead:
Naggar – Same mountain views, less traffic, and peaceful riverside walks
Sethan – A hidden hamlet perfect for workations or digital detox
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Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj
What’s Happening:
- The road from Kangra sees flash flooding after heavy rain
- Upper Bhagsu faces water cuts, Wi-Fi issues, and overcrowded cafés
- Local vendors say: “Most monsoon tourists leave disappointed within two days.”
I stayed near Bhagsu for three nights, and on two of them, I barely had running water.
Where to Go Instead:
Palampur – Surreal cloud walks, lush tea estates, and clean weather
Andretta Village – Lesser-known artist hub, ideal during light rain days
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Kasol & Parvati Valley
What’s Happening:
- Cloudbursts near Manikaran and Tosh have blocked access routes
- Kalga, Pulga, and Barshaini trails get flooded or washed out
- No power, weak Airtel/Jio signal, and tough trekking conditions
I had to walk 4km in ankle-deep mud near Kalga after the road caved in during July’s first week. Locals were guiding stranded tourists back to Barshaini.
Where to Go Instead:
Tirthan Valley – Still green and accessible, with safer riverside stays
Banjar – Less touristy, charming cafes, and well-connected roads
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Shimla (Mall Road, Kufri, Mashobra)
What’s Happening:
- Long traffic jams (up to 3 hours on weekends)
- Waterlogging in key areas like Kufri and Sanjauli
- Crowded ridge area with frustrated tourists seeking shelter from the rain
A taxi driver near Shimla ISBT told me: “Shimla in monsoon is for stuck tourists, not smart ones.”
Where to Go Instead:
Kotkhai or Theog – Scenic drives through apple orchards with fewer jams
Chail – Cleaner, quieter, and still offers that “hill station” feel.
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Dalhousie & Khajjiar
What’s Happening:
- Road to Khajjiar shuts down unpredictably due to slope collapses
- Thick fog reduces visibility to almost zero
- Hotels are asking tourists to postpone their bookings till September
When I reached Khajjiar, I couldn’t even see the meadows — just fog, slush, and silence.
Where to Go Instead:
Jot Pass – A newly explored route, great for scenic drives
Bir Billing – Rains hit here too, but it stays operational and cozy
Final Monsoon Travel Advice (for July–August 2025)
If you’re determined to explore Himachal during this season:
Wait till mid-September – that’s when conditions start improving
Avoid self-driving – unless you’re confident in wet mountain roads.
Download offline maps – network is patchy at best.
Ask locals for updates, not Instagram — many “perfect posts” hide real chaos.
FAQ: Himachal Tourist Spots to Avoid This Monsoon
Is it safe to travel to Himachal in July 2025?
Partially. Avoid high-risk zones like Kasol, Manali, and upper Shimla. Safer areas like Tirthan, Kotkhai, and Palampur are better options.
What are the safest destinations during Himachal’s monsoon?
Tirthan Valley, Theog, Chail, and Palampur are currently stable with manageable weather conditions.
Should I drive myself to Himachal in monsoon?
Not recommended unless you’re experienced with hill driving in rain. Local drivers or taxis are much safer.
RealYatra Travel Tip: Follow Locals, Not Reels
Instagram might show you sunny skies and dreamy roads, but the truth on the ground can be very different. Always double-check local news, BRO updates, and real-time feedback from recent travelers.
